Press
Why do I like The New Connection? It's simple, really. Listening to their music brings me back to my high-school days, an era of punk rock shows that shook the foundations of the smoky, crowded basements in which they took place - something that might not sound like bliss, but for me and the dozens of loyal fans who embraced the local underground scene it really was. The New Connection isn't as loud as some of those bands I liked in those days, and they're certainly not as abrasive, which is why, in my mid-twenties, I can enjoy them without worrying about the future of my eardrums. But they still have the refreshing flavor of a band that knows its roots, would be totally willing to play those shady basements shows, and - above all - makes music just for the sake of music itself.-Rachel Perry (Play Magazine)
Though the debut album “Mentally/Physically†from Philadelphia's The New Connection is definitely good. The sound of blessed Irish/Italian lead guitarist Rory Geoghegan is delicious, and at moments he taps into the cosmos. The bass and drums interplay, provided by the simultaneously chill and wild Alex Baranowski and Todd Mecaughey, are juicy with complex and exciting rhythms. Lead singer Gerry B's voice is clear, expressive, and empathetic, and the lyrics aren't too bad. It should be especially noted that for a young, homegrown project, the production is beautifully mastered with calm perfectionism. There are moments when they seem like they might wander into a mysterious universe, but then they snap back into a solid driving rock beat or a nice Beatles bop. The compositions are solid and architectural; each one sets up its bones on a slamming guitar riff, builds on drums and bass, and finally eases in tight four-part vocal harmonies. The songs take a nice turn in the road at the chorus ('Sorry About the Polar Bears...'), and your toes can't help but tap. There are nice spaces, and generally things build to exciting climaxes and chillout breakdown sections, followed by a nice resolution. The lyrics are conversational and unpretentious...
-Victoria Jacobs (Ins & Outs Magazine)
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